The Baltimore Orioles are down to two Rule 5 picks, as they have designated LHP Nestor Cortes Jr. for assignment. RHP Yefry Ramirez will take his place on the 25-man roster.

Cortes was selected in the Rule 5 Draft in December from the New York Yankees. If Cortes goes unclaimed on waivers, New York would owe the Orioles around $50,000 for Cortes to be returned to their farm system.

Cortes appeared not ready for the major league level, as he posted a 7.71 ERA over 4.2 innings and allowed 10 hits and two home runs (both grand slams) this season.

Ramirez spent 2017 with Double-A Bowie and Double-A Trenton and posted a 3.47 ERA across 24 starts. He will make his major league debut out of the bullpen once called upon.